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End prison strike and made some changes to outdated policies
“Inmates at the Point Blanche Prison were on strike since October 23rd, 2019. Due to the tense situation and the overall safety for the guards and the inmates at the institution, the situation was one of the Minister’s first priorities. The minister first met with the director of the prison and then had a meeting with the inmate’s association and addressed some 20 grievances, bringing the month-long strike to an end. In his opinion, getting that issue resolved, meant taking care of the safety of the workers and those incarcerated.
Establishing CFATF committee
“During the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) plenary meeting on November 28th, 2019, it was determined that Sint Maarten must improve on certain recommendations in order to exit the third round of mutual evaluations and have the Public Statement that was issued revoked during the upcoming plenary meetings that will take place in May of 2020.
Established committee to deal with Law Enforcement Council recommendations
“In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Law Enforcement Council (‘Raad voor de Rechtshandhaving’) carried out inspections of the Prison at the request of the Ministers of Justice of the Kingdom (JVO), this in connection with the monitoring of the Human Rights (CPT) recommendations. Several independent recommendations were made by the Council.
“In order to ascertain solutions, propose courses of action and to monitor the compliance of the proposed recommendations, Minister Doran is establishing a committee that will be specifically tasked with this role in regard to the recommendations of the Council. The Minister has agreed to meet with the Council every month in order to review the progress of the proposed recommendations.
Signed covenant for ankle bands
“On the 20thof December 2019, Minister Doran was able to sign a covenant between the different services within the Ministry of Justice (KPSM and the Public Prosecutor’s office) in order to facilitate electronic monitoring of inmates. One of the most important aims of introducing the Electronic monitoring system is to bring relief to the capacity of the Prison in Point Blanche which is currently at its maximum.
New foster home
“The Minister of Justice, has taken note of the closure of the I-Can Foundation on the 31stof December 2019. Six (6) children were remaining in the home for which homes were found. In the meantime, it was possible to also find a suitable home for the minor who was away on vacation during the holidays.
“With the closing of the I-Can foundation the Minister deems it necessary that a structured children’s home with capable personnel, be established. In the coming weeks the Minister will be exploring the possibilities for a New home for the children.
Came to a consensus on the positions and ‘appointment year’ for some eighteen police officers
“The class of 2011 consisted of eighteen (18) cadet police officers. In May 2017 twelve of the cadets took government to court in order to be placed in their correct position(s) respectively the correct year (‘appointment date’). Although the officers were carrying out duties as police officers all these years, on paper they are Cadets, because of some discrepancy as to which year they would be promoted from trainee to police officer (‘Agent’) and subsequently from police officer to Sergeant (‘brigadier’).
“On the 13thof December 2019, the Minister, after obtaining official information on the case, met with the officers, management of the police force and other stakeholders, came to a consensus on the disputed ‘appointment year’ and their positions. The payments along with the correct status will be granted retroactively to all eighteen officers.
Found legal basis to execute Police officers’ payments
“Another important achievement on the slate of current Minister of Justice Egbert J. Doran, is the payment for the Police Force of Sint Maarten. This is a matter that has been lingering for nine (9) long years, whereby the workers of KPSM have been in continued uncertainty. In order to make a complete assessment of the problem, Minister Doran sat with the various Unions representing KPSM and came to realize that there was a legal basis missing for the payments. Upon realizing this, the Minister requested his team within the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the staff of other relevant ministries, to prepare the legislative tool that was needed in order to make the payment necessary. This was done in the form of a National Decree (LBham) and an accompanying note of explanation (NvT,).
“The salary tables for the KPSM were established, for both the police civil servants tasked with executive roles and those with supportive roles, therefore completing the needed legal basis. The Minister of Justice then requested an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers which was held on Tuesday, December 31st, and championed the cause there.
“The document was approved and has been submitted to the Governor and will be forwarded to the Council of Advice (RvA). Once this legislative route is complete this National Decree will be published and entered into force.
Minister Doran returned civil servants to work that are on the payroll, but not actively working for years without legal basis.
Established Management Team (MT) at the Customs Department
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